Publications & Reports

Historic graveyards are very different in their character from modern cemeteries that are often described as ‘Lawn Cemeteries’. The latter are usually laid out in neat rectangular burial plots that are accessed by a network of pathways. In these modern cemeteries the surface of the ground is level and has the appearance of a lawn because the cemetery has not been used as a burial place over many centuries. The opposite is true for historic graveyards some of which have been used as burial grounds for over a millennium.

In terms of its constituent sectors, archaeology could now be regarded predominantly as a business domain which operates in a competitive economic climate and focuses on generating information. This situation is radically different from the previous dominance of employment in the
State and education sectors with the clear focus on research which characterised earlier decades.

In response to these markedly changed circumstances and the consequential impact of new problems and challenges, a Foresight Study, leading to the production of this report, was initiated in 2004 by the UCD School of Archaeology, University College Dublin.

Archaeological monuments such as moated sites and ringforts are the former homesteads of previous farming communities. Farming has been a vital force in developing our heritage and modern non-intrusive farming practices continue to preserve and shape our historic landscapes. This valuable legacy is something we should try to understand, cherish and protect for ourselves and for future generations.

The plan includes a brief historical background study of St Mary’s Church and Graveyard, a detailed scaled survey of the site and a physical study of the site, its monuments and

buildings as they are currently. These studies have helped to lead to an understanding of the site and its components, their contribution to the integrity of the site, and the issues it faces.

The conservation plan addresses the following:

• Understanding the place
• The cultural significance of the place
• Identifying issues which may affect that significance
• Writing policies to address the issues
• Building in mechanisms for implementation and review

Ireland’s landscape is enriched by its heritage of farm-houses and outbuildings, its field patterns and the nature of the boundaries that divide them. The landscape of Ireland is predominantly an agricultural one, and farmers have been its guardians. In times past, the occupants of
traditional farmhouses and their associated farmsteads were often also their builders. They made clever use of materials available locally and they built in accordance with a language of construction that was shared by their community.

The Action Plan 2006-2008 is set out in two main parts:
1: Eleven ‘Key Actions’ for late 2005/early 2006, (i.e. Immediate Actions); and
2: Twelve ‘Further Actions’ (i.e. Short Term and Medium Term) 2006-2008 are set out under the
following themes:
• Networking and Lobbying (3 no. actions);
• Conservation and Management (4 no. actions);
• Joint Promotion and IT (3 no. actions); and
• Education and Training (2 no. actions).

The policies contained in this Conservation Plan provide a detailed methodology for approaching the conservation of the doorway of the cathedral while recognising the importance of its setting within the cathedral and within the attendant grounds. The Plan also provides policies for conserving the other elements of the complex, recognising that the significance of the site as a whole is as important as the significance of its parts.

The Church of St Lachtain in Freshford, County Kilkenny is a place of great antiquity. This Conservation Plan clearly and unequivocally states the significance of this monument and gives the church a prominence in the ecclesiastical history of Ireland which had hitherto been largely unrecognised.

Ireland has a rich legacy of stained glass. Fine examples of the art can be found in public and private buildings across the country, but mainly in our churches.The work of some of the finest European, English and Irish artists graces great cathedrals, historic buildings and humble churches. This booklet is intended as a guide for the custodians of these treasures, to
assist them in their care and conservation.